Umbrella Cooperation
Since 1983, the Umbrella Cooperation has united Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. The three partners formalised their collaboration through a cooperation agreement, aiming to intensify partnerships in science and technology and to promote peaceful, free and cross-border research.
The three renowned research institutions enjoy an excellent international reputation — with the Technion being Israel’s oldest university. The academic and personal exchange between these partners has proven to be both fruitful and enriching, lending the cooperation a particular resonance.
Through joint research projects, annual symposia, summer and winter schools and dedicated training programmes, the partners actively foster scientific dialogue and technological collaboration. Initiatives such as the Umbrella Symposium and the Umbrella Award further support this dynamic, value-driven partnership.
Umbrella Symposia
The Umbrella Symposia have been a central element of the partnership between Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University and the Technion in Haifa since the 1980s. They provide a vibrant platform for researchers from the three institutions to exchange ideas, discuss current topics and build lasting collaborations.
Hosted in turn by each partner institution, the symposia focus on changing research themes and create space for new ideas and joint projects. A particular emphasis is placed on supporting early career researchers, offering them the opportunity to present their work to an international audience and expand their professional networks.
Umbrella Awards
The Umbrella Awards recognise outstanding early career researchers from the three partner institutions in Germany and Israel, taking the promotion of young talent to a new level. First awarded in 2018, the prize, worth €5,000, has since become an integral part of every Umbrella Symposium.
Each year, three exceptional young researchers are honoured — one from each partner institution. The awards are thematically aligned with the focus of the respective symposium.
In addition to receiving the award, the recipients have the opportunity to present their research to the symposium audience during the event.